^^^ “Any honors college that offers smaller classes, priority registration, professors over TAs, and exclusive educational opportunities outside the classroom is not a gimmick in my book.”
That’s where I’m parked as a parent, it has nothing to do with credentials. Particularly to have a semblance of a smaller college experience at some very large schools. “Gimmick” seems a little harsh, although everyone is entitled to their opinion from their own frame of reference.